Tragic accident on National Highway 44
In the early hours of Friday, a private luxury bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred around 3:30 AM on National Highway 44, when the two-wheeler got stuck under the bus, causing a spark that ignited the vehicle. The fire engulfed the bus within minutes, leading to the tragic loss of at least 20 lives.
Passengers’ desperate escape
The bus, operated by Vemuri Kaveri Travels, was carrying 43 people, including passengers and crew. Many passengers were asleep when the fire broke out, making it difficult for them to escape. Survivors reported that the main door was jammed due to snapped wires, forcing them to break emergency windows to flee the flames. Approximately 20 people managed to escape, with 15 receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the escape.
Vehicle details and safety concerns
The ill-fated bus was registered in Odisha and was seven years and two months old. It had a valid fitness certificate until March 31, 2027. However, it lacked automatic fire alarm systems, a safety feature present in newer buses. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and to assess the bus’s compliance with safety standards.
Government response and condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. President Droupadi Murmu and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also extended their condolences and assured support to the affected families. The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident and is coordinating with neighboring states to review and enhance bus safety protocols.